- Regional Cooperation: Mayor Andy Burnham has convened a summit with the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to discuss a new era of devolution.
- Council of Nations: The talks focus on the UK Government’s proposed Council of the Nations and Regions to strengthen ties between Metro Mayors and devolved governments.
Burnham Convenes High-Level Devolution Summit
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has called a major summit involving the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The gathering marks a significant shift in the UK’s internal political structure, as English Metro Mayors seek to establish direct diplomatic and economic ties with the devolved nations. The discussions are centred on the expansion of regional powers and the practicalities of a new governance model.
The participants in this dialogue include John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, and Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales. Northern Ireland is represented by First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. This collaborative effort aims to harmonise the interests of the UK’s major regions and nations, ensuring a unified voice when addressing the central government in London.
Establishing the Council of the Nations and Regions
A primary focus of the summit is the Council of the Nations and Regions, a body proposed by the UK Government to improve communication between different tiers of authority. By engaging directly with the First Ministers, Burnham is positioning Greater Manchester’s priorities within a wider national context, moving beyond the traditional constraints of local government to influence broader policy objectives.
This initiative follows a period of renewed engagement from Westminster. In July 2024, shortly after the general election, the Prime Minister visited Wales to meet with Eluned Morgan. This visit was part of an official tour intended to reset the relationship between the UK Government and its devolved counterparts, providing a political backdrop that encourages the type of regional cooperation Burnham is currently leading.
Strengthening Economic and Political Ties
The summit marks a significant step for metropolitan leaders who argue that regional economic growth is best managed through localised decision-making. By aligning with the devolved nations, English mayors hope to create a more robust framework for investment and infrastructure development. The inclusion of Northern Ireland’s dual leadership further emphasises the intent to build a comprehensive partnership across the British Isles.
As the Council of the Nations and Regions begins to take shape, these preliminary meetings serve to define how metropolitan areas in England can operate alongside established parliaments and assemblies. The move is widely seen as an attempt to ensure that the process of devolution is not limited to Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast, but extends meaningfully into the English regions, providing mayors with a seat at the table during national strategic discussions.
